H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Set # 114

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Fem.)

Ruby-throat-Hummingbird (Fem.)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Male)

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Male)

The species is sexually dimorphic. The adult male has a gorget (throat patch) of iridescent ruby red bordered narrowly with velvety black on the upper margin and a forked black tail with a faint violet sheen. The red iridescence is highly directional and appears dull black from many angles. The female has a notched tail with outer feathers banded in green, black, and white and a white throat that may be plain or lightly marked with dusky streaks or stipples. Males are smaller than females and have slightly shorter bills. Juvenile males resemble adult females, though usually with heavier throat markings. The plumage is molted once a year on the wintering grounds, beginning in early fall and ending by late winter.

© HJ Ruiz – Avian101